As the IPL 2025 auction approaches, former Indian cricketer RP Singh has thrown a curveball into the mix with his suggestion for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). His strategy? Retain only Virat Kohli, release every other player, and potentially use Right To Match (RTM) cards strategically. This approach, while audacious, could signal a significant transformation for RCB, aiming to finally break their IPL trophy drought.
The Virat Kohli Anchor
Virat Kohli, often referred to as the ‘Run Machine’, has been the heartbeat of RCB since the IPL’s inception. His retention is not just about his batting prowess but his brand value and the loyalty he commands among fans. Kohli’s consistency and ability to anchor innings or accelerate when needed make him an irreplaceable asset. Singh’s suggestion to retain only Kohli might be controversial, but it underscores Kohli’s importance as the foundation upon which RCB could rebuild.
Strategic Use of RTM Cards
Singh’s strategy involves using RTM cards for players like Rajat Patidar and Mohammed Siraj, who have shown significant value to RCB. His argument hinges on the auction dynamics where players might not fetch as high a price as their current valuations. For instance, Rajat Patidar, pivotal with his explosive batting, might not command more than 11 crores in the auction, allowing RCB to potentially reacquire him at a lower cost or match the highest bid if necessary.
“I feel they don’t have any problem. They will just retain Virat Kohli, release everyone else, and use the RTM. If we see the value taking Rajat Patidar as an example, will we get him for more or less than 11 crores at the auction?” he said.
“I feel you will get Rajat Patidar for fewer. So you get him back at the auction. Even if he reaches close to 11 crores, you have the RTM which you can use there,” RP Singh’s observation
“Siraj, performance-wise, you will have to again judge whether you will get him close to 11 crores. I don’t think Siraj will reach close to 14 crores. They will always have the option that if he reaches there, you can use the RTM,” he added.
“So they should go with a new mindset. They need Virat, he has contributed a lot to the franchise, and Virat is the most important player as well. So they should think about building the team around him, or with a new thought. I don’t see anyone else apart from Virat Kohli having a value of 18 or 14 crores in this team,” RP Singh said.
Similarly, with Siraj, whose performance has been crucial for RCB, Singh believes the market might not inflate his price beyond a certain threshold, making him another candidate for the RTM strategy. This approach not only keeps the door open for key players but also potentially saves on the salary cap, allowing RCB to bid for other talents in the auction.
The Case for a Team Overhaul
The suggestion to release everyone else could be seen as a drastic measure but might be necessary for RCB to address its historical issues, particularly in the bowling department. By starting afresh, RCB could craft a team that not only complements Kohli’s batting but also strengthens other areas where they’ve traditionally been weak. This could mean targeting specific roles in the auction, from death bowlers to middle-order stabilizers, without the burden of previous commitments.
Fan Reaction and Team Dynamics
This strategy, while potentially effective, might not sit well with fans who have grown attached to certain players. However, Singh’s approach could also be seen as a bold statement of intent, signaling a new era for RCB. Kohli’s retention ensures continuity and leadership, while the influx of new or returning talents could rejuvenate the team’s spirit and strategy.
RP Singh’s advice for RCB to retain only Virat Kohli and strategically use RTM cards presents a high-risk, high-reward scenario. It’s a gamble on the auction dynamics, the loyalty of key players, and the franchise’s ability to scout and integrate new talent effectively. If executed well, this could be the shake-up RCB needs to not just compete but dominate in IPL 2025. Whether RCB decides to follow this path remains to be seen, but Singh’s
